Sign on bonus question

[tbutlerhou]

Hi,

I'm writing from Texas. I have a question about sign on bonuses. I joined a company and had to sign an agreement saying that I'd pay back the entire bonus if I left within 24 months. I want to leave now but it has not been 24 months yet. Does my employer have the legal right to force me to repay the amount in total?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[JETX]

This one is really simple.... YES!

You signed a contract with the provision that you stay for 24 months minimum or pay back the 'bonus'. You leave early, you pay. If you don't pay, the employer could sue you and, unless you can show some substantial reason for leaving early, you will lose and then owe the bonus, plus court costs, plus attorney fees, plus interest.

 

[tbutlerhou]

From another perspective,

Do companies typically pursue this? How far will they usually go? My boss is a really nasty guy, I knew him before I went to work for him but I was a customer then so I didn't see this side of him then. I'm wishing I'd never taken this job.

 

[JETX]

With all due respect, you are asking us to answer the unanswerable.... what will someone that we know nothing about do????

If he is as 'nasty' as you say, and if the amount is enough, and if he has a bad day, and if he really hates you, and if he has a brother who is an attorney..... he will probably go after you, or maybe not.